Carpet-stretcher



(No Model.) .4

P. 144424149514. CARPET STEBTGHER No. 549,044. Patented 0,04.- 29, 1895.

ANDREW EGRAHAM. FNWU-UINQWASNINGTDMQC.

FREDERICK M. ZANDER, OF DAYTON,'OHIO.

CARPET-STRETCHER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 549,044, dated October 29, 1895.

Applieatien filed August 22, 1896. serial 115.560.1540. on model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known thatI, FREDERICK M. ZANDER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Dayton, in the county of Montgomery and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Oarpet-Stretchers, which improvement is fully set forth in the following specification and accompanying drawings, in which- Figure I is a general perspective view of my improved carpet-stretcher in its initial operative position; Fig. II, a view of the same at the close of the stretching process; Fig. III, a view of the under side of the stretcher; and Fig. IV a diagram of a floor, showing the method of manipulating the device.

My invention relates to certain improvements in appliances for stretching and laying carpets and other textile floor-coverings, and its purpose is to provide a simple, effective, and durable device whereby the work may be easily, quickly, and accurately performed.

The peculiar construction and several advantages of the device will be apparent by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which A indicates a U-shaped metal frame, comprising a cross-head and side bars. The free ends of the latter are pointed and bent downwardly at right angles, forming spurs 2, which engage the floor and hold the apparatus in operative position. A block 3 extends across the bars and is provided on its under side with a series of forwardly-inclined spurs 4, and also with grooves forming slides for the bars.

A portion of the cross-head is bent upwardly, forming a seat for a metal bar 5, to which it is adjustably attached by 'a screwbolt 6. The outer end of said bar is attached to the foot of the adjustable operating-lever 7. Wooden bars 8 have their inner ends hinged to the top of the sliding block 3, from which they extend convergently to the rear end and form jaws, which are pivotally attached to the operating-lever. It will be seen that the pivot thus serves as a fulcrum for the lever.

The operation of the device will be readily understood. The spurs 2 being fixed in the floor close to a wall, the lever is thrown to the right, as shown in Fig. I. A gentle pressure upon the sliding block causes the spurs to engage the carpet. It will be observed that the U-shaped frame, being held by its spurs, is immovable, and when the lever is thrown to the left the sliding block necessarily draws the carpet toward the wall. The lever being then thrown down, as in Fig. II, is locked, and the hands of the operator are free to tack the carpet.

When not in use, the apparatus may be readily folded and fastened by a button 9. In this form it may be conveniently carried from place to place.

The stretcher may be used to advantage, as illustrated in the diagram. Tack the carpet securely at a, fasten the stretcher inthe corner I), draw the lever down, lock it as hereinbefore described, and tack the carpet close to the wall from a to 19. Repeat the operation from b to c, then stretch from c to d, and tack temporarily. Finally, go back to c and continue stretching until the work is complete.

What I claim as new is In a carpet stretcher, the combination with the herein described U shaped metal frame and the adjustable bar connecting the said frame with the foot of the operating lever, with the sliding block 3, provided underneath with spurs, the bars 8 hinged at one end to the sliding block, and their opposite ends pivotally attached to and forming the fulcrum of the adjustable operating lever, substantially as and for the purpose herein set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand, this 12th day of August, 1895, in the presence of witnesses.

FREDERICK M. ZANDER.

Witnesses:

CHARLES B. WA'rsoN, Tnos. N. PATTERSON. 

